Once You go Shellac, You never go Back!!! maybe...

I am always looking for the easy way out, anything to skip the long, tedious process of staying groomed. Sooo Shellac seemed like it was something right up my alley. Brilliant, no chip nail colour that lasts fourteen days or more? Lovely!

Brief explanation: shellac is basically the application of gel nailpolish to the nail, dried and bonded to your nail by a blue uv light. The entire process from cleaning your cuticles to staring in amazement at the high gloss, completely dry finish is about 30 minutes. I kid you not!

Someone seems to have really thought this through- the range of colours is pretty decent, and they seem to have covered the bases - they range from very dark to very light and some even offer pearlescent finishes. It can be done with french tips or gem stones but the designs that can be done are more on the subtle side. If you are into pure colour this is definitely the best idea for you. 

The cost will vary depending on where you are but if you are in Kingston Jamaica, then head on over to The Face Place at 3 Carvalho Drive (off Hope Road near where Colour World used to be, on the road where the comestic surgery building is). You will only pay $2500JMD for the process. The environment is clean, spacious, chic, comfortable and the ladies who serve are cordial and quick.

Check it out:

Do you see how shiny it is ? and do you see how thin it is?? U cant even see it!  sooo happy!

Watch this space for an update at 7 days then 14 days :)

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The Sophisticated Challenge

Okay ladies
Ive been pretty MIA i know. There have been many a time where I've started to write a post via my phone but somehow got distracted and did not finish. But now I'm here, sitting outside a waiting on them to finish cleaning so i can head back inside and I thought to myself- well now would be perfect! The sun is coming out, the place is a nice balance between cool and the nice warmth early sun brings and despite the fact that these two fat birds are fighting at an uncomfortably close distance to me I will press on.
I can be a very internal person- by that i mean that i generate certain thought processes on my own and discover and explore them, and i dare say research them on my own. Why am I like this? well.....its because I have learnt that things i consider interesting and worth exploring are things most persons tend to pass over, whether they mean to or not. (More details on that in another post maybe? But really its just me being sick and tired of being called 'too girly' 'too this 'too that'. I dont know- How can you be too much of something when that is one of the things that define you? So long as youre not one dimensional I really dont see the negative in it)
Anyhoos back to the topic. My abandoned draft posts have somehow had the same theme without my being conscious of it till now. You see, Ive passed the twenty one threshold and mind you though I do have to literally remind myself that I'm not twenty-one anymore, with the passing of that milestone and the very large milestone that is the purpose of my being awake with books at this hour- I have been having a yearning for somewhat of a change, a maturation in the way I present myself.
I have suddenly developed an inkling for ways to refine myself at this stage in my life, to be more consistent and better maintained and groomed. to reduce the 'off-days' to very very little and to develop and maintain the routines that will have my skin and my body thank me when the wrinkles come a calling.
Essentially, to be more sophisticated, more refined.

I have always wondered (to myself of course ha) how does one dress, how does one present oneself to the world when youve graduated from that girl/student stage and are embarking on that womanly stage. Now dont get me wrong, I am not eagerly awaiting adding on more numbers to that twenty-one but I really am searching for answers and ways to distinguish myself from the jeans and flip flop army that is the teenage/university crowd uniform whilst avoiding the polo/ oxford shirt, khaki and mules that is the uniform of the soccer mom......I mean, what the heck do I do with myself now?

I easily do not look my age. Easily. That is not the goal here- instead the goal is to look like (and I struggle for words here) ...to look like I have some sense of self-awareness and possessiveness; and not like Im in an awkward transition stage (flashback to puberty anyone?). Yes I get that makeup helps but I do not and will never rely on makeup solely to make me look presentable.But I dont want to look like a sixteen year old one day and then a twenty something another day because Im in a suit. I would like a consistency that holds throughout.

I will let you in on an embarrasing story that happened all too recently. I was at a function that related to my school and those who practice in the area. A former lecturer of mine and a stalwart in the practice was there and he and I have a good working relationship. Now, me being me on this search to look sophisticated etc had cut bangs and worn them to the event. Needless to say he did not recognize me AT ALL! He even mistook me for someone else. Now this is something that occurrs from time to time in my life. Depending on what Im wearing, how Im wearing my hair etc (sometimes what colour it is) different persons DO NOT recognize me. Now Ive always thought of it as a great thing because it meant i had been successful at changing things up but this time was different. This time the effect was a negative one lol.
Being recognized is important- I do not and will not be able to have a name in the industry im entering for at least five years (if im a slave to it) so my face needs to be well recognized!. So of course the bangs are a big fail :(

So you see I do need help. Ive been doing some reading and some research and im setting about challenging myself on becoming more refined, more groomed, more sophisticated and looking more presentable in all situations.

This entails:

Grooming:

• maintaining my hair in a healthy, glossy, tame manner. Inclusive of ensuring my ends are protected and avoiding heat styling as much as possible. This may also include getting it cut into a layered bob (which is classy, professional and chic all at the same time) as well as colouring it- my natural colour is that of dirt. It is dull and does nothing for me esp since my lashes are super dark.
• getting into a routine with my skin. as in actually being consistent....yikes. Im not consistent with a single thing in my life...i really cannot think of anything......woww
• maintaining my nails and brows. I am that girl who will paint one hand get distracted and go out with one hand painted and the other completely bare and will wear it like that the whole week. People must think Im nuts. I need to pull it together. Can you imagine how wrecked Ill be when Im a mom if i continue like this? No sah
• whitening my teeth. yup I said it. Im gonna investigate whether its cheaper to buy those crest white strips or to go to the dentists and have them do it. Also, if i get a job im going to look into getting invasalign onrretainers as my moving around prevented me from getting them when my braces were removed
• shaving regularly i guess....or better yet getting an affordable at-home wax kit. I would so enjoy ripping those suckers out. Instead of concentrating on trying not to nick myself. Or in lieu of that I could invest in those pretty looking long lasting roundish electrical razors ...yes? just zip zip done! no nicks no blood! ( I do shave but only when my stubble gets noticeable- which is bad I should do it before it gets noticeable right?)
• have a makeup routine i perfect and stick to that makes me look polished

Refinement:

• brushing up on my dining and speech etiquette (finishing school girls holla! lol)
• improving my posture so i remember not to slouch while walking in my heels or to pop the telltale knee when im bored or impatient
• improving my diet so my digestive system can regulate itself so it can be a part of my life rather than my life itself (sigh)
• learning french and brushing up on my spanish
• re-learning ballroom dancing (when am i ever going to use it?) Lord please send some unusual friends my way
• delve into current and classic literature and politics with renewed enthusiasm
• make sure everything i wear  is polished, pressed, repaired and well-fitted before i leave the house in it.

I think all these put together will result in a better, more sophisticated, well-put together me. Im also aiming to never wear flip flops again only pretty lady-like sandals; and never to dress lazily. I will start sewing again once exams are done and that should take care of most of my wardrobe.

Wish me luck! and tell me- what improvements do you think you need to make to be more refined and well put together?
Till next time, lataz!

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Makeup Tips and Tricks

Alrighty ladies, as promised here are some makeup tips and tricks to help simplify life for you. Im a lil too tired to sort em properly so Ive just categorized them broadly. If you have any questions regarding further details or if you want a demo let me know and Ill sort it out for ya


Face

• Problem: you've applied too much foundation. Solution: First things first, the best way to apply your foundation is with a brush and not a wedge or sponge applicator ( much unlike we were taught by our mothers and grandmothers). This ensures even application because it works with the texture of ur skin bending and moving and applying less or more when needed. If you only have a sponge applicator though you can: apply the foundation to the back of ur hand and tap the sponge on it lightly then apply lightly to your face. ( If you pour the foundation stright onto the sponge you will have used up too much product and you'll look oily or cakey) When you're done take a step back from the mirror and observe where looks too thick. Take a clean sponge, sprinkle a few drops of water on it and pat over the area that looks too thick. Then use the dry side to even out the foundation there in brisk firm strokes.
• Problem: when you apply your foundation you shine like a disco ball. Solution: read the bottle/compact that your foundation comes in- if it says for dry skin and you have oily skin ditch it immediately- and vice versa. If that's not the problem then it could be that youre applying too much foundation. Use concealer to even out ur skin first and to get rid of discolouration then use the foundation- you should have a better effect. If this doesnt satisfy you, then buy a translucent powder (theyre prob the cheapest face product out there) and get a brush ( again a cheap one will do just fine for this purpose) and apply it to the oily areas of ur face using a circular buffing motion. If you just pat it on you will not get rid of the shine. For touchups- try blotting sheets- KoY CosMetics has a pack of 50 for $250.00 JMD

Eyes

• Problem: your eyeliner is always smudging! Solution: there are several ways to combat this problem. The reason why your eyelines migrates from where you put it though is important. Pencil eyeliners contain wax ( or paraffin) and when wax gets near heat it melts ( think of a candle). So as warm blooded creatures, we human beings produce heat that melts products we put on our skin. SO, what can you do about it? If you're in a hurry, this wont slow you down. Use a small angled brush ( the kind that comes in those brow kits) or any small stiff brush- dip it in an eyeshadow ( yes u saw right- eyeshadow) of a similar colour and apply on top of your eyeliner. this helps to set it and keep it from migrating. Or, if you cant bother with all that you could buy a waterproof eyeliner like that of the one KoY CosMetics sells for $250.00 JMD. ( waterproof products can be removed with makeup removers or baby wipes). Another alternative is to try gel eyeliners; or liquid eyeliners ( though these are not recommended for the lower lashlines)
• Problem: your eyeshadow is a different colour on you than in the palette. Solution: This has to do with pigmentation - both on your skin and that of the eyeshadow. The best way to deal with this is to use a base. You can create your own or you can buy one. You create your own base by applying concealer (preferrably cream concealer) in a light application over the entire eyelid. Or, you can use other cream eyeshadows you have . For example, if you have a dark brown cream eyeshadow and you put a powdered gold eyshadow over it you get a more bronzy-gold effect. I personally like this because it offers more creativity and gives different dimensions to an eyeshadow. :)

Lips

• Problem: your lips are cracking and peeling...bad Solution: you need some lip therapy. Most people will tell you to exfoliate but thats a bad idea at this stage - you need moisture first and foremost. The easiest and quickest way to get moisture is oil- not get not cream. Grab the nearest bottle of pure oil you can find. mineral oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, baby oil, castor oil ( if you can stand the smell) and just dab some on your finger tips and massage ( yes im serious) into your lips. Let it dry a little and repeat the process for about 5- 10 mins. When you're done doing that then u can exfoliate by taking a wash cloth and some more of that oil ( or vaseline for this purpose) and softly scrubbing the skin on the lips in circular motions. Resist the temptation to help along the process by peeling skin off- cuz its gross :( and u shud always let your skin peel naturally. exfoliating just removes what has already separated itself from the skin. when youre done that u can apply more oil and massage if you want. But, as a further preventative measure or in extreme cases - buy vitamin e capsules - Lees pharmacy sells 12 for $100 odd. break one and apply to your lips at night.
• Problem: your lip colour is not looking like what is in the tube. Solution : this again has to do with pigmentation. Put a colour on different backgrounds and it will look differently. To solve this there is a two step no fail system. First, you have to balance your natural lip colour against the lipcolour you want to apply. You can do this by applying concealer lightly to both lips or you can use a lip colour that is neutral- toned ( i.e from beige to medium brown or nudes) as a base. For best results Ive always chosen a lip colour thats close to the colour of my concealer- mainly because its still moisturizing and it serves the purpose i need it for. Secondly, dont just swipe on the lip colour- its not gonna last long and you're not gonna get the colour pay off you want. Use a lip brush or the pad of your very clean finger and pat it onto your lips. Remember though the brighter the colour, the more likely it is to bleed so wear lipliner that matches the lipcolour youre wearing. ( yes, puh-lease avoid the black/brown lip liner thing- nobody's lip is actually that colour - so plz have mercy on yourself)

And thats all for now ladies! Im going to a makeup workshop the end of this month so Ill have acquired three more techniques for eyeshadow application...but Ill make sure to put that in a video.

In the meantime ( in between time haha!) remember to let you shine through, and to keep your makeup KoY!

koycosmetics@gmail.com

'A woman's makeup is succesful when you see the woman, not the makeup'

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